What pack should I get?

[Evoac05]

I'm thinking its time for me to get a new pack. I currently have a badlands ultra day pack, a pack frame, and a cheap hiking day pack. I like my ultra day for scouting, but want something a little bigger for hunting. The pack frame is a little bulky when trying to be stealthy while hunting.
I want a pack that will have enough room to pack stuff for an overnight or two and also have the ability to haul meat. I would like something that can compress and not too overly bulky. I am looking at Mystery Ranch, Kuiu, and Kifaru. Any suggestions on which packs I should look at? Feel free to suggest other things to keep in mind when looking for a pack.
-Thanks

[hogslayer]

I did some research on different packs and ended up witha horn hunter full curl system.  It has a pack frame/pack/ and day pack all in one.  Nice thing is you can remove all of them and use what you want for your trip.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wXBsGzwEd2A

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

This topic is constantly being discussed.  You are looking at some of the top packs with MR, KUIU, and Kifaru.  I'd also consider Stone Glacier.  It appears the new Ultra from KUIU is a bit tougher then the Icon's of the past, and at that price point is pretty hard to beat, though keep in mind that this is KUIU's 4th generation frame in four years...I love their clothing, but went different options for my pack.

I don't have any experience with MR personally, but starting at 9 lbs for a pack is not something I'm interested in.  There was also some issues people claimed to have with load lifters not doing the job on some of there older packs, but this issue seems to be rectified at this point.

I went the Kifaru route and haven't looked back.  If you can stomach the price point, there customer service is impeccable and I've been very happy with the pack.  I run a bikini frame currently with a DT1 bag last year.  I won my fantasy football league and decided I wanted the new EMR2 bag.  Should be here in a few weeks, but the frame and belt is where you get your bread and butter.  I had 115 +/- lbs in mine last year and I can't imagine having a different pack...

If at all possible I'd try on a few of the packs with 60-75 lbs of weight and see how they feel.

[JLS]

I have a MR Longbow.  It is entirely sufficient for several day trips, and I've used it for seven day trips.  It's not ideal for that, but it's still very functional.  It is excellent for a day pack.

That said, if I was going the Mystery Ranch route I would buy the Metcalf this time around.  It would be more functional for the longer trips without losing the versatility of the NICE system.

I did add the frame extender made by Oneiros Valley.  It was $40 to add it.  I've not yet had a chance to load it up and test it, but I'm sure it will do exactly what I wanted it to do, which was make the load lifters a functional lifter versus a load stabilizer.

There are TONS of really good options.  A MR will give you durability beyond belief, but it comes at a price which is weight.  The Stone Glacier and Exo packs look very intriguing also.

Figure out what your key gotta have items are, establish a budget, and go from there.  I would have probably bought a Kifaru if I had the money, but I got the Longbow for a good price.

[Rider]

I picked up a Pinnacle pack from Nimrod Packs http://www.nimrodpacks.com/

like it so far. Holds my bow very securely

[haugenna]

Another vote for Stone Glacier.
1. lightweight pack but durable to carry heavy loads over long distances
2. Versatile day pack with expansion as a multi day pack
3. Meat shelf

Durable material as well.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I picked up a Pinnacle pack from Nimrod Packs http://www.nimrodpacks.com/

like it so far. Holds my bow very securely

Looks like a good day pack, but at that price point...with what appear to be non-functional load lifters, a lack of a power pull on the belt...you'd find better options elsewhere IMO.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Haug, I was really hoping to win that SG!!!!


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[northwesthunter84]

exomountaingear.com/ check these guys out.  Its definitely worth a look.  They will be getting my business soon enough.  Weight and ride tested with 250lbs.   If you read the specs this pack is pretty impressive for the price point.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Steve and crew did a good job testing that pack. I'm looking forward to seeing some reviews!


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[bowhunterty]

Purchased a Exo Mountain pack Can't wait to try it out. From the looks of it believe it will be a great pack.

[7mag.]

I picked up a Pinnacle pack from Nimrod Packs http://www.nimrodpacks.com/

like it so far. Holds my bow very securely

Looks like a good day pack, but at that price point...with what appear to be non-functional load lifters, a lack of a power pull on the belt...you'd find better options elsewhere IMO.

I had one and sold it. It was an awesome day pack, but when I hauled meat with it, even with the frame attached, it killed my shoulders and back.

[RadSav]

exomountaingear.com/ check these guys out.  Its definitely worth a look.  They will be getting my business soon enough.  Weight and ride tested with 250lbs.   If you read the specs this pack is pretty impressive for the price point.

I've been looking at these packs with a lot of interest.  These guys seem to have thought things out extremely well.  I expect I will have one before my next big hunt up north!

[Evoac05]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. There are a few packs that I hadn't researched yet (horn hunter and Stone Glacier) and I hadn't heard of the Exo Mountain Gear, but it looks like a great pack. I'll continue to research and take suggestions on packs. Thanks

[Hornseeker]

Just know that the MRs are designed, tested and adapted/redesigned by really serious hardcore mountaineers that are also hardcore hunters...

I use the MR Crew Cab and honestly cant imagine anything better... except for a quiet fabric... This pack though, will compress to almost nothing on my back...carrying just day hunting necessities, but expand to carry more than I...or YOu... or anyone else, could honestly carry. I've used it to pack 7 days camps in... i've used it for day hunts. Go in with 15 pounds of water and gear, come out with 85# of elk meat. The suspension system, shoulder and waist straps and the durability and quality of construction are second to none in my opinion.

Good Luck!!